NEWS BITS

La Trinidad poll bets join unity walk, covenant signing

The La Trinidad Police Station and Commission on Elections recently initiated a unity walk and covenant signing among local poll bets for “secure and fair election.”

Present in the activity were chief Insp. Radino Belly and cops, provincial Election officer Ricardo Lampac; Vanessa Ronquel, assistant regional director of Comelec Cordillera; Vhong Tadeu, municipal Election supervisor and 26 out of 32 total town candidates.—Jorton B. Campana

Rescued sea turtle  released back to sea

LUNA, La Union – An olive ridley sea turtle that was found weak along the shore in Barangay Basea in this town was released back to the sea last week.

Bernardo Ayala, who was collecting pebbles when he saw the turtle last week, reported the incident to Luna Mayor Victor Marvin Marron, who referred the turtle to concerned authorities.

Tito Gorospe, municipal environment management officer, said the turtle is 40 inches long and 35 inches wide and about 25 to 30 years old. 

Authorities said the turtle was weak because it was pregnant. – Jun Elias 

DepEd to design ‘native’ instructional materials

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Education announced in the Learning Resource Management and Development System orientation at Baguio City High School that local government such as the Cordillera Administrative region shall screen and design instructional materials fit to the culture of students.

This aims to solve problems and issues regarding LRMDS to the different schools of CAR through the representatives from the different schools.

According to DepED, local authorities can customize books and other instructional materials of schools to fit into the culture of a certain place for the students to be more knowledgeable of their culture while learning to become globally competitive. –Princess Natividad and KC Bautista

Mountain Province gets P95 M for road projects

The Department of Budget and Management has allotted P95 million under its Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran or Kalsada program for the improvement of roads in Mountain Province. 

Provincial engineer Edward Likigan said they have qualified for the program after they bagged the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Likigan said they have submitted the requirements, including the feasibility studies. He said the provincial government would provide the 10 percent counterpart fund. 

He said at least P30 million of the fund would be used to rehabilitate the Bontoc-Mainit Road, P35 million for the Besao-Tamboan road section along the Mountain Province-Abra Road and P30 million for the Tadian-Nacawang Road within the Lubon-Batayan section.

The DBM has allocated P6.5 billion for 73 provinces under its Kalsada program.

Holiday in Pangasinan on Tuesday

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan– It’s a special non-working holiday in Pangasinan on Tuesday.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. signed Proclamation 1240 declaring the holiday to celebrate the province’s 436th founding anniversary.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the province of Pangasinan be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” the proclamation stated.

Various activities, including the inauguration of the Pangasinan Heritage Center, a folk dance competition and cultural night have been lined up for the celebration.

Pope Francis appoints newTarlac bishop 

TARLAC --- Pope Francis has appointed a new bishop for the diocese of Tarlac.

Bishop Enrique Macaraeg, vicar general of the archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan in Pangasinan, will replace retired Bishop Florentino Cinense, who served the diocese for 28 years, according to a report on CBCPNews. 

Macaraeg is also the parish priest of Saint Ildefonso parish in Malasiqui town.

The pope only recently accepted the retirement of Cinense, who turned 78 years old on March 14. Bishops are supposed to submit their resignation to the pontiff when they reach the age of 75.

Driver claims share of P13-M lotto jackpot

BAGUIO CITY -- A 63-year-old delivery van driver from Baguio City  claimed his share last week of the jackpot in the 6/42 Regular Lotto drawn on March 3.

Jose Ferdinand Rojas II, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager, said two players hit the six digit winning combination 19-02-31-42-21-08, which has the jackpot of P13,078,736.

Rojas handed P6,539,368 to the winner at the PCSO central office in Mandaluyong City.

The driver, who has been playing lotto since 1995, got his winning combination from the birth dates of his family members.

Rojas said the winner plans to renovate his house, invest in a transportation business and save for future of his family.

The other winner, a laborer from Manila, had claimed his share of the lotto jackpot.

Magna cum laude Palchan leads 310 graduating Tabuk scholars

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- A magna cum laude led the 310 Tabuk City-sponsored scholars graduating in various colleges for school year 2015-2016, here.

Joy Carol Awing Palchan graduated magna cum laude in Bachelor of Science in Criminology at the St. Louis College of Bulanao last March 19.

Palchan said she achieved the honor because of hard work and putting high value on education. She received a cash incentive of P7, 500 from the city government for her feat.

Under the city’s Education Assistance Program, poor but deserving college students get education support of P3, 500 per semester in colleges and universities in Tabuk.The city has 2,748 scholars as of school year 2015-2016.

Aside from tuition assistance, graduating grantees with honors also receive cash incentives of P10, 000 for summa cum laude, P7, 500 for magna cum laude and P2, 000 for academic excellence award.

Under the program, the City Scholarship Program Committee also provides job placement assistance to graduates with meritorious achievements. – Larry T. Lopez

Abra candidates hold spiritual recollection 

BANGUED, Abra -- Local candidates here recently underwent “recollection” to push for peaceful and honest election.

Leaders of the Church-Military-Philippine National Police Advisory Group (CMPAG) headed by Bishop Leopoldo C. Jaucian of the Diocese of Bangued and Pastor Doreminador E. Subagan of the  Abra Ministerial Association conducted the recollection of local  candidates  last  March 22 at the St. James the Elder Cathedral here.

Candidates present were lawyer Marco M. Bautista, Cecilia S. Luna and Dr. JoselitoBringas for congressman;  Ruby M. Bersamin for governor; Rolando Somera for vice-governor; mayors Geraldine M. Balbuena and Glenn Eduarte; and other candidates for SanggunianPanlalawigan and Sanggunian Bayan from different political parties and independent candidates.

The other CMPAG leaders, Lt. Col. Thomas Dominic B. Baluga of the 24th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army; PCSupt.Ulysses J. Abellera, Regional Police Director; and PSSupt. Antonio P. Bartolome, Provincial Police Director and their personnel including the local media also stayed the whole day to support the activity.

The Dept. of Interior and Local Government headed by director Millicent Bamba-Carino also gave an orientation on Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB) to guide them in their governance when elected into office. CMPAG also awarded plaques of commendation to three-termer mayors before the celebration of the Holy Eucharist that ended the whole day activity. -- Maria Teresa B. Benas

   

Ifugao scholars graduate unique heritage course

By Daniel B. Codamon

BANAUE, Ifugao - - The second batch of the Ifugao Satoyama Meister Training Program (ISMTP) scholars recently  graduated.  

The 21 graduates were from the municipalities of Banaue, Kiangan, Hungduan and Mayoyao  whose rice terraces  are part of the Ifugao Rice Terraces  inscribed in the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, and identified  as  Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

The scholars started their studies and training at Ifugao State University (IFSU) then to the heritage sites of the province.

They went to Japan from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3, 2015   to gain further insights on the objectives of the program.

They met their counterpart trainees to learn how to empower the people in the heritage sites and improve their quality of life by harmonizing heritage conservation, environmental preservation and economic activities.

They also went on educational tour to the Takojima Fishery port and Notogakusha which is the headquarters of the Satoyama and Satoumi Meister Training Program.

The group also met with Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya of Suzu City and presented their research outputs such as Museology which is the establishment and development of a material and culture museum, showcase of organic animal production using organic feeds like native pigs and chickens, documentation of indigenous rice production practices, production of loach within the rice

The ISMTP that started in 2014 in the province,  is a joint undertaking of the IFSU, the Kanazawa University of Japan University of the Philippines, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Ifugao Local Government. It   envisions to help maintain the world heritage sites in the province by identifying endeavours that the people may embark and supporting scholars that will be trained to spearhead such endeavours.

It also intends to empower the stakeholders as entrepreneurs in the province by providing them the expertise and strategy to address outward migration which is one of the factors contributing to the abandonment of the heritage sites.

The first batch of  ISMTP scholars graduated last year.

Rabies cases in Cordillera down

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Industry said rabies vaccination was upped in Cordillera resulting to low number of rabies cases this year compared to the previous years.

According to Dr. Nover Lee. P Calub, veterinarian of DA-BAI, there were only two rabies cases reported in the region from January to April this year. One was from Tabuk, Kalinga and the other was in Baguio City.

Dr. Calub said the DA aims to end rabies cases by 2020 in the Philippines. This is 10 years earlier than the global thrust to stop rabies by 2030 worldwide.

Rabies Awareness Month last month has observed with free anti-rabies vaccination and deworming for animals that were present in the event. Basic pet obedience training demo, pet grooming demo and pet consultation were also done to further demonstrate pet owners to properly take good care of their pets.

The program was organized and supervised by the doctors from Philippine Veterinarian Medical Association, Baguio City Veterinarian’s office, and Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Industry. –  Princess Natividad and KC Bautista

DOH starts anti-dengue vaccinations in schools

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Health launched last week the school-based dengue vaccination among Grade 4 public students.

They cautioned teachers and parents that children injected with  dengue vaccine may experience mild reaction. They may develop rashes, headaches or fever, and may cause students to faint.

According to the DOH, fainting among students usually happens when children are afraid of injections or they may not have eaten prior the vaccination.

Students who experience headache or fever were advised to drink plenty of water and have some rest. If students develop rashes, they should immediately be rushed to the nearest health facility.

According to Health Secretary Janette Garin, the immunization is a good program that will benefit children and save lives. – KrishaDaniwes

DA allots P630M for Kalinga

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Kalinga was recently allotted P630 million for various agricultural projects.

Director Lorenzo Caranguian of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit, Cordillera Administrative Region (DARFU-CAR) said  the province deserves the big support to boost its rice, corn, and coffee production industries.

He said bulk of the appropriations will go to the concreting of three farm-to-market roads (FMR) under the Philippine Rural Development Program in the amount of P501 million.

“P118M will go to the concreting of the Banneng-Gumbowoy FMR in Tanudan, P180M to the Bulanao-Amlao FMR, and P203M to Catabbogan-Wagod FMR in Pinukpuk,” Caranguian said.

The director also announced that P32M is appropriated for the Kalinga Integrated Coffee Processing Center, P8M total worth of livelihood projects to associations,  P35M to increase rice production, P20M for corn production, P12M for high value commercial crops, P3.5M for livestock, P9.2M for Pamana projects, P3.1M for bottom-up-budgeting, and other small projects.  -- Peter A. Balocnit

Campaign pushed to allow pets in parks

BAGUIO CITY – A signature campaign to amend an administrative order of the city banning pets in public parks will held at Melvin Jones grandstand here today.

Retired judge Del Claravall, initiated the project for responsible pet ownership. Theme was “Walk for a pet-friendly Baguio.” Activities include anti-rabies campaign, first aid for dog bites, controlling population of stray dogs and cats, access of pet owners to parks and public spaces.

The organizers adviced participants to bring snacks, water, poo poo bags and rain gear in case of unexpected weather. This event is open to all dog lovers. – Michele B. Gavanes

2,317 Abra folks employed  under DOLE program

BANGUED, Abra -- The Emergency Employment Program (EEP) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Abra benefited a total of 2,317 displaced workers, underemployed and unemployed local folks in the municipalities of San Juan and Dolores  last month.

George G. Lubin, Jr., DTI provincial head, said the EEP projects in the municipalities of San Juan and Dolores were funded by Party Lists in the House of Representatives worth P22.3 million.

The EEP is a special employment generation program of the DOLE dubbed as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

Funds for the special employment program were given particularly as a support to the victims of Typhoon Ineng that hit the province last August 2015 especially the farmers whose crops were damaged during the typhoon. 

For the municipality of San Juan, Mayor Marco M. Bautista reported that the P20M EEP fund was given by the Coop Natco Party List for the rehabilitation, improvement and de-siltation of the communal irrigation canals and clearing of barangay roads.

On the other hand, P2.3M funds for the municipality of Dolores from the Buhay Party List was used for the rehabilitation of irrigation canals and barangay roads damaged by typhoon Ineng, Mayor Robert Victor G. Seares, Jr. reported.

Aside from typhoon-affected farmers, other beneficiaries include those that are willing to help in the needed work in the fields. -- Maria Teresa B. Benas

    

Ifugao pupils train on cultural practices

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao -- A total of 30 pupils of the Alfonso Lista Central School (ACS) were trained recently to help in preservation and protection of rich culture and traditions of the province.

The five days School of Living Tradition (SLT) training was conducted by the Fugato Cultural Heritage Office (ICHO) of the provincial government with culture bearers Antonio Pahigon and Carmen Dogwaon as subject experts.

Participants were trained mainly on how to perform the three main Ifugao native dances with the corresponding gong beats like Dinuyya/Dinuy-a, Bitangnguk and Hinggatut.

They were also briefed about the in-school SLT training, target activities including the demonstration on dancing the native dance by the culture bearers.

The SLT is a training program of the provincial government through the ICHO in preserving and conserving the Ifugao culture and tradition through the conduct of skills trainings and cultural performances.

ICHO project development coordinator Manifold Capuano said SLT will establish centers in each municipality to conduct trainings on cultural performing arts, crafts and indigenous skills.

Elizabeth Ognayon, ALCS principal, lauded the ICHO who initiated the SLT, culture bearers,

Mt. Province  LGUs, school to employ 1,015 studes this summer

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- About 1,015 students are expected to work this summer vacation under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) under the auspices of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The Provincial Governor’s Office, Office of the Vice Governor, nine local government units in the province and the Xijen College of Mountain Province pledged a total amount of P6, 352,390.00 for the employment of these students.

Based on the data provided by DOLE Provincial field Office Chief Samuel T. Lasdacan, Natonin LGU pledged the highest amount of P2, 493,750.00 for the employment of some 285 students for 25 days.

The Governor’s Office committed P1 million to hire 200 students for 20 days while the Xijen College pledged P600, 000.00 for the employment of 50 students for 40 days.

The Office of the Vice Governor committed P170, 200 for 37 students for 20 days.

The other LGUs  that will  participate in the SPES include  Barlig which pledged P420,000 for 70 students; Bauko – P414,400 for 112 students; Tadian – P400,000 for 80 students; Sabangan – PP248,400 for 54 students; Bontoc – P168,000 for 30 students; Besao – P80,640 for 24 students, Sagada – P32,000 for 8 students. These seven LGUs will employ the students for 20 days.

Paracelis LGU which pledged the amount of P325, 000 shall employ 65 students for 25 days.

Lasdacan said the daily wage of students who will be hired under the SPES varies depending on the daily wage provided by each LGU. Sixty percent (60%) of the students’ salary shall be paid by the employers in cash while the remaining 40% shall be paid by DOLE in the form of education voucher.

Interested students and out-of-school youth who intend to continue their studies are advised to start completing the required documents ready for submission during application period scheduled by the employers. They may visit the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in the different municipalities in the province and the Provincial DOLE Office to get the required documents to be accomplished.

The SPES is a regular annual job creation program of the national government intended for the poor but deserving students to augment their school fees by providing them work during summer vacation. -- Juliet B. Saley

Medical mission serves Abrenios

BANGUED, Abra -- The provincial government in partnership with Far Eastern University Medical Alumni Association of Northern Illinois, USA carried out a three-day medical mission at the Abra Provincial Hospital  here recently.

Cataract, hernia, cholecystectomy, thyrodectomy, parotidectomy, and excision of mass were some of the different ailments and disorders treated.

They also gave free eyeglasses to senior citizens and others who were examined with visual impairment. Dental extraction and treatment served children and adults with tooth decays and enamel defects.

To accommodate and make sure that all patients were attended, Gov. Eustaquio P. Bersamin’s wife Ruby who planned and organized the medical mission, invited 23 specialists from different fields of medicine from the US to be part of the medical mission.

Bersamin said all patients who undertook major and minor operations were advised to visit the hospital for follow-up check-up. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

Baguio contractuals to enjoy SSS benefits

BAGUIO CITY  -- Some 83 police auxiliary workers and job order contractuals of the city government here will soon avail of benefits given by the Social Security system (SSS).

Said informal workers of the city government registered to be members of the AlkanSSSya program of the SSS.

The SSS headed by Baguio manager Nancy Umoso, the city government of Baguio headed by mayor Mauricio Domogan and the informal workers of the city represented by Julie Laureta recently signed the MOA at the Baguio City multi-purpose hall.

The MOA covers the mechanics for the implementation of the program which is aimed at facilitating an easy and more convenient remittance of the SS monthly contribution payments of the job orders.

In the MOA, the city government, through its duly authorized and bonded representative will deduct the monthly contribution of the informal workers and remit the monthly contributions together with its monthly collection report.

On the other hand, the SSS will provide information updates and other relevant literature to enhance the informal worker’s knowledge on the SSS and the e-AlkanSSSya implementation such as but not limited to collection, posting reports, periodic issuance of flyers among others.

The city council passed resolution numbered 277, series of 2015 authorizing mayor Domogan to enter into a MOA with the SSS for the implementation of the e-AlkanSSSya program which is beneficial to job orders and police auxiliary workers of the city who are not covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and with no SSS registered employers.        

Based from the MOA, SSS reserves the right to modify and/or enhance the program, provided that in case the SSS consider that the changes in the program will significantly alter the services offered under the same, the SSS shall advise the city government and informal workers of the changes at least 30 days prior to the date of its implementation.

The MOA may be terminated by the SSS in case of violation o the terms and conditions in the agreement by the informal workers and/or the city government.

The AlkanSSSya program is a micro savings program that aims to attract informal sector workers seeking access to social protection.   -- JhoArranz

Poverty alleviation programs highlight Apayao anniversary

LUNA, Apayao --Gov.  Elias Bulut Jr. said the provincial government has launched province-wide anti-drug campaign, livelihood projects and the “Pabahay” program.

The “Pabahay” program is the main focus of the province’s anti-poverty campaign, and the provincial government has identified the poorest barangays in each municipality as intended beneficiaries.

The provincial government allocated P8 million for the “pabahay” program with counterpart from each municipality.

The governor explained that lack of shelter is number one in the poverty indicator of the province as of 2015, followed by income or livelihood then lack of sanitary toilets.

The number of houses to be built will depend on the community-based monitoring system of each barangay.

The goal for livelihood is to strengthen the coffee production in the municipalities of Kabugao, Calanasan and Conner. Other livelihood programs will be based on the design to be created by each municipality.

“These programs are to address the poorest of the poorest”, said the governor. Apayao is the second poorest province in the Philippines in 2011, and the 4th on the list in 2015.. – Jillie Ominga

Health team serves far barangays of Abra

MALIBCONG,  Abra -- Health team composed of personnel from Provincial Health Office, Municipal Health Office of Malibcong,  and the Philippine Red Cross  conducted medical mission in landlocked barangays of  this  upland municipality March 21.

The team conducted ‘kilatiskutis’ to children, blood typing to adults, urine screening and medical checkup to residents of far-flung barangays of Dulao, Mataragan, Bayabas and Pacgued.

The group also distributed hygiene kit to children, vitamins to pregnant women, medicines and ointment for skin diseases and 14 sacks of used clothings donated by local thrift shops in Bangued.

According to Rev. Fr. Oscar Alunday, a native of said place, the medical team was the first- ever to reach and serve the upland barangays of Malibcong.

“In my 64 years of existence this is the very first time. We are also from Abra. Lowlanders may have long forgotten that but you recognize that we are and thank you,” he said.

People there seldom get medical attention because the place is very far from rural health unit. Trails going up and down the mountains are risky, barely two feet wide near the cliffs.

“This is not the first and last time that we will serve the uplands. Slopes and tracks may be really too difficult to trek but there is no amount of difficulty for a heart ready to serve,” assured Dr. Lilibeth B. Martin, team leader.

The Philippine Information Agency-Abra also joined the team.  -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

NFA-Kalinga auction 9,000 bags of rice

TABUK CITY, Kalinga --The National Food Authority (NFA) provincial station here is auctioning more than 9,000 bags of its current stock of imported rice   to unclog its warehouse for the new delivery of rice.

The auction is open from Monday to Thursday, until supply lasts.

NFA provincial manager Miguel Tecson said their office auctions the stock to NFA-licensed rice traders in the province at P24/kg from the prevailing price of P30/kg. He assured the rice is fit for human consumption.

As soon as their warehouse is ready, 40,000 bags of new imported rice shall be delivered to the province, Tecson disclosed. 

Meanwhile, NFA-Kalinga targets to establish 370 bigasan outlets throughout the province.

The move was made so all of the province’s 152 barangays shall have bigasan outlets in line with NFA’s mandate to provide accessible cheap and quality government rice to the grass root. 

At present, NFA provincial station has 30 newly licensed retailers added to its original 80 licensed bigasan outlets, while application is open.  NFA sells its rice at regular price of P27-32/kg. -- Larry .T Lopez

Baguio best performing women’s groups feted

BAGUIO CITY- -  The  women’s group of Balacbac- Santo Tomas Proper  here was recognized by the city government  in partnership  with  the Balikatan sa Kaunlaran,  as the Best Performing Barangay Women’s Organization  for this year.

The 50 member- Balacbac- Santo Tomas Proper  organization headed by Marites Baukas,   is active in supporting community activities. Members have   successfully sustained their livelihood projects that include micro-lending, bakery and meat processing.

As  best performing barangay women’s organization, the group  received a certificate of recognition and P15, 000 cash prize.

Awarded runners –up were Gibraltar Kalipi (2nd place), South Sanitary Camp Women’s Organization (3rd), Upper Rock Quarry (4th) and the women’s organization of Middle Rock Quarry (5th).

Rounding the top ten were Camp 8 KALIPI (6th), South Drive (7th), Pacdal Women Welfare Organization (8th), LiwanagLoakan Women’s livelihood Organization (9th) and KALIPI Middle Quirino Hill (10th).

Aside from certificate of recognition, the second to fifth placers received P12, 000, P10, 000, P9, 000 and P7, 000, respectively. The 6th to 10th placers were awarded P2, 000 each.

The other participating   women’s organization from barangay Trancoville, Victoria Village, Palma – Urbano, San Roque Village, Lourdes Subdivision Extension, Sto. Rosario, Dominican Mirador, Happy Homes, East Quirino Hill and West Quirino Hill,   also got certificate of participation and consolation prize of P1,000 each.

The awarding ceremony at the activity center of SM City Baguio was entertaining with the women showcasing their talents, and providing dance and song numbers. -- Carlito Dar

Abra schools ready for senior high school

BANGUED, Abra -- Schools in the province are ready for the implementation of the senior high school for the opening of School Year 2016-2017 come June. 

Abra Schools Division Superintendent Ronald Castillo said both the private and public high schools in Abra are prepared with their classrooms and facilities including teachers for the full implementation of the senior high school under the K-12 curriculum.

The schools have already started their initial screening and early enrolment for the in-coming students of Grade 11. 

The Department of Education has started the screening and selection of qualified teachers who will be appointed to teach in senior high school. Private schools are also in the process of hiring additional teachers.

Meanwhile, John Nowel Pena, the staff in charge of the Social Mobilization and Networking Section of the School Governance and Operations Division in Abra, had been going on air discussing the K-12 for the students and their parents to appreciate the relevance of the additional two years in high school.

Pena also explained the Voucher Program of the DepEd which is a great help for the students who belong to the low-income families in order to ease the families in sending their children to Senior high school. -- Maria Teresa B. Benas

Grass fires burn power posts

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Several instances of brown-out during summer were caused by fallen power posts due to grassfires. 

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) bared this as it appealed to the public to help prevent burning of wild grasses that often leads to power outages.

Lilibeth Gaydowen of the NGCP reported that Gaydowen recalled one case last year in Solana, Cagayan where a wide service area including Kalinga, experienced power interruption because of burned electric posts due to grassfires. 

Wild grass fires are common every summer when grazing lands are burned to generate fresh grasses as food to cattle.

Another concern is the continuing “slash & burn” practice in areas where NGCP power lines traverse.

 In a related report, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office here warned that wild fires do not only destroy electric posts but also impede the reforestation program as trees planted on the National Greening Program sites are burned.

In Tabuk City, greening projects including fruit tree orchards are not spared by the destruction caused by wild grass fires because of these practices.
As prevention, the CENRO recommended the putting-up of fire lines around the perimeters to prevent wildfires from rapidly catching-up on the vegetation.

In the first quarter this year, the Bureau of Fire Protection -Tabuk recorded five cases of grassfires. -- Larry T. Lopez     

1,028 Abra students set for employment

BANGUED, Abra -- Fifteen local government units and five private establishments have committed to participate in this year’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) in the province.

Department of Labor and Employment Abra field office head George G. Lubin Jr. said pledge of commitment had already been signed by partner agencies to accommodate 1,029 students   under the SPES.

Lubin said   961 will be employed by the LGUs and 68 by the private establishments.  They will be hired for a minimum of 20 days to a maximum of 52 days within one year. The wages will be shared by DOLE and the host agency on a 40:60 ratio with the 40% share of the DOLE and 60% by the employer.

DOLE pays its share in the students’ wages directly to the school where the students will enroll since the SPES program is intended to defray school fees of the students.

The employers’ share is paid directly to the students for their personal allowances.

This year’s partner-agencies to the SPES program with the number of their commitment are:  Abra Mountain Development Education Center of Bucloc, 20; Chowking, 6; Divine Word College of Bangued,35; Jollibee, 6; New Commercial Trading, 1; Provincial Government of Abra,53; the LGUs of Bangued, 40; Bucay, 100; Bucloc, 20; Dolores,150; Lagangilang,40; Langiden, 50; Luba,10; Malibcong, 60; Pidigan, 20; Pilar, 15; Sallapadan,20; San Juan, 300; San Quintin, 8; Tayum, 55,  and Tineg, 20.

Lubin said there are still available slots for SPES in LGU-San Juan. Interested applicants may see Ms. Marietta Ta-a, the Public Employment Service Office Manager. -- Maria Teresa B. Benas

      

Rotary Club starts water system project in remote Abra village  

VILLAVICIOSA, Abra -- The perennial water problem of residents of  a remote barangay in this town will be over  very soon, thanks to the Rotary Club International and the Provincial Government of Abra.

Aware of the difficulty of the people of Villaviciosa particularly in Brgy.Tuquib which is one of the remotest and disadvantaged barangays in this town,   Frank Asia, Rotary Club of Bangued past president and a native of Villaviciosa, initiated the establishment of water system.

Through RC-Bangued Chapter, funds were sourced out from RC International through the help of RC – Ampang, Malaysia. RC-Bangued likewise negotiated with Gov.  Eustaquio P. Bersamin for a counterpart from the PGA. 

Asia said the five-km diversion facilities from SitioWa-it within the boundary of Luba and Villaviciosa to TuquibPurok Proper had already been accomplished.   Water tank is now also established within the vicinity of the Purok Proper.

The PGA gave  materials for water distribution to households for installation. In an interview with the local radio here, Asia said  they have organized a Rotary Community Corps in Tuquib that will be responsible for the maintenance and sustainability of the water system.

Asia thanked Richard Doral and wife of RC-Ampang, Malaysia for their patience and insistence in procuring the needed funds for the project from the RC-International. Likewise to Bersamin for his outright approval of the   request for the provincial government’s counterpart in the water system project. -- Maria Teresa B. Benas